Ermin Derin
“From insects to innovation: harnessing nature's diversity for tomorrow's therapies.”
PhD Project Title : Bioactive Molecules from Insects and Their Applications
The aim of my PhD project is to identify and characterize molecules of pharmaceutical interest, particularly antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which could serve as alternatives to traditional antibiotics in addressing the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance. Insects, such as the Black Soldier Fly, have shown great potential as sources of structurally diverse AMPs. The Black Soldier Fly, in particular, possesses one of the most extensive AMP repertoires among insects. However, these peptides have not yet undergone thorough antimicrobial testing or detailed in vitro characterization. My research will focus on evaluating their antimicrobial activity, including testing for haemolysis, killing time kinetics, membrane-permeabilisation effects, and anti-biofilm properties, with the aim of identifying potent agents effective against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
How my position is funded
My PhD is funded by “Borsa ateneo finanziata a valere su fondi regionali FSC”.
My motivations
I have chosen to pursue a PhD to contribute to science and specialise in my field. I want to explore new questions and find solutions through research. I believe this process will help me develop my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The PhD is an important step for my academic and professional development.
A day in a PhD student’s life
My day usually starts early in the lab, preparing samples for analysis. I spend a significant part of the morning conducting experiments. After lunch, I often switch to data analysis. This is followed by literature reviews and planning for future experiments. I also regularly meet with my supervisor to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps.
My events
INSECTA 2024 (Poster) Potsdam/Germany
Hermetia illucens chitosan for the preservation of fresh fruits
Authors: Rosanna Salvia, Carmen Scieuzo, Micaela Triunfo, Anna Guarnieri, Dolores Ianniciello, Antonio Franco, Giovanni Lomonaco, Emine Derin, Antonio Dolce, Maddalena Ventura, Angela De Bonis, Patrizia Falabella.
202INSECTA 2024 (Poster) Creta/Greece
Antibacterial and anticancer activity of the peptide fraction extracted from the haemolymph of Hermetia illucens
Authors: Carmen Scieuzo, Antonio Franco, Rosanna Salvia, Fabiana Giglio , Roberta Rinaldi , Mariarita Rubino, Emine Derin, Federica De Stefano, Angela Pascale, Maria Monti, Flora Cozzolino, Alessandro Sgambato, Patrizia Falabella2023
ECE 2023 Creta (Posters) Creta/Greece
In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial and anticancer activity of the peptide fraction extracted from the hemolymph of Hermetia illucens.
Authors: C. Scieuzo, R. Salvia, F. Giglio, R. Rinaldi, M. Rubino, E. Derin, F. De Stefano, M. Monti, F. Cozzolino, A. Sgambato, M. Lekka, A. Vilcinskas, P. Falabella.
Antimicrobial properties of the chitosan from different developmental stages of the bioconverter insect Hermetia illucens.
Authors: C. Scieuzo, R. Salvia, A. Guarnieri, M. Triunfo, D. Ianniciello, A. Franco, G. Lomonaco, E. Derin, F. De Stefano, A. Dolce, A. De Bonis, D. Radnovic, P. Falabella.
Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of lipids extracted from Hermetia illucens reared on different feeding substrates.
Authors: A. Franco, C. Scieuzo, R. Salvia, V. Pucciarelli, M. Rubino, E. Derin, S. Ouazri, F. Iannielli, F. L. Borrelli, F. Bovera, E. Schmitt, P. Falabella.
CNiE 2023 Palermo (Posters) Palermo/Italy
Evaluation of the antitumoral activity ofHermetia illucens hemolymph.
Authors: Rinaldi R., Scieuzo C., Salvia R., Giglio F., Rubino M., Derin E., De Stefano F., Franco A, Patrizia Falabella.
Optimization of the recombinant production ofHermetia illucens L. antimicrobial peptides in yeast.
Authors: F. Giglio, C. Scieuzo, R. Salvia,R. Rinaldi,A. Franco, M. Rubino, E. Derin, F. De Stefano, S.Todisco, A. Capece, P. Falabella.